January 18, 2009
Reported by Chen Wei-jien
Written by Lydia Ma

During 2008 New Year's Eve prayer meeting, Taipei Bread of Life Church Senior Pastor Shen-chu Chow urged church members to donate their consumer vouchers to help those struggling financially or help the families of those who just lost their jobs get by during this difficult season. Church members at the prayer meeting responded with enthusiasm and about 1,500 of them responded to the call.

The government of Taiwan will issue consumer vouchers worth $3,600 NTD (approximately $105 USD) this month to all Taiwanese citizens in hopes of increasing consumption levels. Due to the financial crisis, Pastor Chow is encouraging church members to use the vouchers wisely instead of wasting them. He is also urging them to be thrifty and generous by donating the money toward charity. He believes that people should support one another to get through these trying times and hopes that the church's 10 thousand members can donate the vouchers in full so as to raise $10 million NTD for charity.

In addition to consumer vouchers, Taipei Bread of Life Church is also encouraging members to donate their year-end bonuses, either in part or in full. It is also organizing a "Zero Savings Campaign" during the first quarter of 2009 to encourage members to donate all their monthly savings during those three months. According to the church, "Kindness Charity Fund" could amass $50 million NTD (roughly $1.5 million USD) from the year end bonuses, "Zero Savings Campaign," and consumer vouchers. All of the money collected from the fund will go toward interest-free loans for the unemployed and those with low incomes. It will also provide kids with student grants to pay for their school fees. The church will also provide part-time jobs at the church for unemployed people, offer vocational training, and help aboriginals market their produce.

In terms of eligible recipients, the church is prioritizing church members who are in need or people referred by church members. Beside Taipei Bread of Life Church, other Bread of Life churches across Taiwan will also participate in fundraising for "Kindness Charity Fund," bringing the number of participating churches to approximately 70. Pastor Chow hopes that the kindness of his church members will spur others to come up with good ideas so that people can unite to become a positive force in society by helping each other get through hard times by faith.

Taiwan Church News